Brothers of the Pennsylvania Epsilon Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi celebrated Founder’s Day this past weekend, marking the 157th year of the fraternity’s existence.  This particular Founder’s Day was spent honoring 1966 Phi Kappa Psi pledge and Medal of Honor Recipient Stephen Holden Doane.
 Doane arrived in Gettysburg much the same as many of the college’s current students.  He played football, wrestled and was interested enough in Greek life that he decided to pledge one of the oldest fraternities on campus: Phi Kappa Psi.  Doane completed the pledging process, but left to fight in the Vietnam War before he was formally initiated.
 While in Vietnam, Doane rose to the rank of First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry. The event program explained that, On March 25th, 1969, in the Hau Nghia Province, “1LT Doane was serving as a platoon leader when his company, engaged in a tactical operation, abruptly contacted an enemy force concealed in protected bunkers and trenches.  Three of the leading solider were pinned down by enemy crossfire.  One was seriously wounded.  After efforts of one platoon to rescue these men had failed, it became obvious that only a small group could successfully move close enough to destroy the enemy position and rescue or relieve the trapped soldiers.  1LT Doane, although fully aware of the danger of such an action, crawled to the nearest enemy bunker and silenced it.  He was wounded but continued to advance to a second enemy bunker.  As he prepared to throw a grenade, he was again wounded.  Undaunted, he deliberately pulled the pin on the grenade and lunged with it into the enemy bunker, destroying this final obstacle.  1LT Doane’s supreme act enabled his company to rescue the trapped men without further causalities.  The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by this officer were an inspiration to his men and are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.”
For his selfless service, Doane was awarded (posthumously) the Medal of Honor, the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, two Army Commendation Medals and two Purple Hearts.
 In honor of Doane’s courage, the Pennsylvania Epsilon Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi celebrated Founder’s Day in his memory.
 The event, held in Schmucker Recital Hall, featured several prominent guests who spoke on many topics including Doane himself, the bond of fraternal and military brotherhood and the trials of war.
 The ceremony began with the presentation of the colors by the Allied Veterans of Adams County, the singing of the National Anthem and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.  Invocation by Gettysburg College Chaplain Rev. Joseph A. Donnella and introduction by event coordinator and Pennsylvania Epsilon Chapter Advisor, Douglas Brouder (’83) followed.
 Dr. Janet Morgan Riggs (’77) then spoke to those assembled, citing what a “tremendous honor” the celebration was and how she hoped that Doane’s actions would “move and inspire generations.”  President Riggs also read to the crowd a letter signed by the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America recognizing the event and commending Doane’s actions.
 The first to give remarks for the ceremony was Major General Andrew H. Anderson, US Army (RET).  Major General Anderson enlisted in World War II at the age of 16, was severely wounded in Vietnam and has won countless medals and commendations, including the George Washington Honor Medal, the Distinguished Service Award, Silver Star and Bronze Star.  He commended those in attendance for the “spectacular turnout” on this “very significant occasion” and spoke on the idea of “brotherhood borne of combat.”  The two star general ended his emotional speech with the words, “God bless Stephen Doane; God bless America” and received a standing ovation.
 Additional speakers included R. Louis Spinelli, V.P., Military Order of the Purple Heart Foundation (Korea); William Wroolie, Treasurer, Military Order of the Purpose Heart Foundation (Vietnam); Ann Wolcott, Past National President, American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.
 The celebration concluded with the dedication of a memorial plaque to 1st Lieutenant Doane outside of Miller Hall, the first chapter house erected in the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and the first college fraternity house in the state of Pennsylvania.  Constructed in 1882, Miller Hall was also the first fraternity chapter house in the whole of the United States.
 The Allied Veterans of Adams County closed out the ceremony with the folding of the flag, the presentation of the flag to Doane’s brother and a volley in salute.
 The celebration was attended by past and present members of the armed forces, veterans, Gettysburg College students, faculty and staff, as well the members of Doane’s squad, The Bobcats, including several of the men that Doane gave his life to save close to 40 years ago in Vietnam.  The Bobcats themselves are credited with, among other commendations, 27 purple hearts in Vietnam alone.
 Phi Kappa Psi was founded in 1852 on the Great Joy of Serving Others.  The Pennsylvania Epsilon Chapter of Phi Psi has been present on the Gettysburg College campus since 1855.